Cliff Hammonds to Compete in 2008 Portsmouth Invitational

April 10, 2008

Clemson, SC – Clemson guard Cliff Hammonds will be competing in this weekend’s 56th annual Portsmouth Invitational, a tournament highlighting eight teams featuring a total of 64 outstanding college basketball seniors. The event will take place at Churchland High School in Portsmouth, VA from Wednesday, April 9 through Saturday, April 12.

Hammonds is the second player from Clemson to compete in the event in the last three years. Akin Akingbala was all-tournament at the 2006 invitational. Hammonds, a native of Cairo, GA, will be playing for K&D Rounds Landscaping. Among his teammates this weekend are Sundiata Gaines from Georgia and Butler’s Mike Green. Hammonds played against both in the NABC College All-Star Game at the Final Four last Friday. Hammonds posted five points and four assists and helped Oliver Purnell’s National All-Star team to a 106-100 victory.

Hammonds was a third-team All-ACC choice as a senior after averaging 11.4 points per game, second-best on the team. He led the Tigers to a 24-10 record and #22 final ranking by the Associated Press. He also guided Clemson to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years and first ACC Tournament championship appearance in 46 years. Hammonds was second-team All-ACC Tournament.

The 6’3″ combo guard finished his career ranked first in Clemson history for games played (134), games started (133), consecutive starts (130), and minutes played (4,285). He also ranks second in steals (225), fifth in assists (473), and ninth in school history in points scored (1,465). He is one of only five players in ACC history with at least 1,400 points, 400 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in a career.

The first game for K&D Rounds Landscaping will be Thursday at 9:00 PM. Hammonds and his teammates will take on Norfolk Sports Club.